Axis Bank Select Credit Card vs Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
vs
The Axis Bank Select Credit Card and the Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card both offer travel-related benefits but cater to different spending patterns and preferences. Axis Bank Select focuses on premium travel perks with extensive lounge access and golf benefits, while the IRCTC SBI Premier card emphasizes rewards on travel and dining, especially through IRCTC bookings. Their fee structures and reward earning mechanisms also differ, making them suitable for distinct user profiles.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
Last updated:
| Feature | Axis Bank Select Credit Card | Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Axis Bank | SBI Cards |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | Joining Fee of Rs.3000 | — |
| Annual / renewal fee | Second Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.3000 | Renewal Fees of Rs.1499 |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend Rs.8 Lakh For Waiver of Annual Fee | Spend Rs.2 Lakhs For Waiver of Renewal Fee |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 10 EDGE Reward Points Per Rs.200 | Earn 3 Reward Points Per Rs.125 Spent on Dining |
| Lounge — domestic | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter | Enjoy 8 Complimentary Railway Lounge Access in a Year |
| Lounge — international | 12 Complimentary International Airport Lounge Access | — |
| Welcome benefit | Welcome Benefit - 10000 EDGE REWARD Points | Get 1500 Reward Points on Payment of Annual Fee |
| Milestone benefit | Earn 5000 EDGE Reward Points on Spend of Rs.3 Lakhs | Earn 5000 Reward Points on Travel; Earn 2500 Reward Points on Travel |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
When it comes to rewards, the Axis Bank Select Credit Card offers a straightforward points system with 10 EDGE Reward Points per Rs.200 spent and accelerated points on retail purchases, plus a milestone reward on spending Rs.3 lakhs. The IRCTC SBI Premier card provides a more varied reward structure with points on dining, utilities, retail, and especially travel-related spends on IRCTC, including 5% back on air ticket and e-catering purchases. However, the Axis card's higher points accrual rate and milestone rewards make it more rewarding for high spenders, while the IRCTC card suits users focused on travel and dining through IRCTC.
Which is better for travel?
For travel benefits, Axis Bank Select stands out with 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter and 12 international lounge accesses annually, along with 6 complimentary golf rounds per year. In contrast, the IRCTC SBI Premier card offers 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses annually but lacks international lounge benefits. The IRCTC card’s rewards on IRCTC travel bookings and e-catering also cater well to frequent railway travelers. Overall, Axis Bank Select provides broader travel luxury benefits, while the IRCTC card is more niche for railway travelers.
Which has lower effective cost?
The Axis Bank Select Credit Card has a higher joining and renewal fee of Rs.3000, which can be waived by spending Rs.8 lakh annually. The IRCTC SBI Premier card charges a lower renewal fee of Rs.1499, waived on Rs.2 lakh spend. Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup and 1% fuel surcharge waiver, but the Axis card’s higher fee and waiver threshold suit heavier spenders, whereas the IRCTC card offers a more accessible fee structure for moderate users.
Co-Branding and Travel Focus
The IRCTC SBI Premier card is co-branded with IRCTC, offering specialized rewards on air ticket and e-catering purchases through IRCTC, making it highly relevant for railway travelers. Axis Bank Select, however, is a general premium travel card with extensive lounge and golf benefits, focusing on luxury travel experiences rather than a specific co-brand program.
Lounge Access Comparison
Axis Bank Select provides a combination of 2 domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter and 12 international lounge accesses annually, catering to both domestic and international travelers. The IRCTC SBI Premier card offers 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses annually but does not include airport lounge benefits, making it more suitable for railway commuters.
Fee Waiver Complexity
Axis Bank Select requires a significantly higher spend of Rs.8 lakh annually to waive the Rs.3000 fee, which may be challenging for average users. In contrast, the IRCTC SBI Premier card has a lower waiver threshold of Rs.2 lakh for its Rs.1499 renewal fee, making it more accessible for moderate spenders.
Who should pick Axis Bank Select Credit Card?
Consider Axis Bank Select Credit Card if you are a frequent traveler who values premium airport lounge access both domestically and internationally, enjoys golf benefits, and can meet a higher annual spend threshold to waive fees. This card is suited for those seeking higher reward points accrual and milestone bonuses on significant spends.
Who should pick Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card?
Consider Irctc Sbi Card Premier Visa Signature Credit Card if you frequently use IRCTC services for travel and dining, prefer a lower annual fee with easier waiver criteria, and want rewards focused on railway lounge access and travel-related bookings. This card is ideal for moderate spenders who prioritize IRCTC-linked benefits and utility rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Axis Bank Select has a joining and renewal fee of Rs.3000, waived on spending Rs.8 lakh annually. The IRCTC SBI Premier card charges a renewal fee of Rs.1499, waived on Rs.2 lakh annual spend.
Axis Bank Select offers 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter and 12 international lounge accesses annually. The IRCTC SBI Premier card provides 8 complimentary railway lounge accesses annually but no airport lounge access.
Yes, both cards charge a forex markup fee of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
The IRCTC SBI Premier card offers up to 5% back on air ticket purchases and e-catering through IRCTC, along with reward points on travel and utility spends, making it better suited for IRCTC users.
Only the Axis Bank Select Credit Card offers golf benefits, including 6 complimentary golf rounds per year upon meeting the spend criteria.
Reward points on Axis Bank Select can be redeemed at a rate of 1 EDGE Reward Point = Rs.0.20.